DIRECTV Frequently Asked Questions

Reality: DIRECTV offers local channels to nearly 94% of US households. By the end of 2008, DIRECTV will offer locals in HD in over 88% of U.S. TV households.

Reality: DIRECTV offers over 130 national HD channels.

The DIRECTV system is compatible with Dolby Pro Logic Surround-Sound and Dolby Digital. To get true surround-sound, though, you will need a Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Digital surround sound processing unit. Some DIRECTV receivers are Dolby Digital capable while others are not. For further information, contact your equipment manufacturer or salesperson. And if you want to upgrade your home theater system for surround-sound, see the Dolby website.

DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital satellite entertainment service. It provides access to over 265 channels of programming to homes and businesses that have DIRECTV receiving equipment (small satellite dish, a digital receiver, and remote control). DIRECTV offers a wide variety of programming for every member of the family, all in 100% digital-quality picture and sound.

DIRECTV offers local channels to more than 94% of the U.S. population. In addition, by the end of 2008, DIRECTV will offer locals in HD in over 88% of U.S. TV households.

During your professional installation, eXpert installers will optimally place your dish, minimizing lost signals during inclement weather. DIRECTV reception is highly reliable year-round and nationwide. DIRECTV service is only minimally affected by extreme weather conditions, but it always returns quickly and clearly. On average, DIRECTV customers only lose signal for 15 minutes a year total - compared to cable outages which can last hours or even days at a time.

The monthly lease fee is usually $4.99 per receiver, though this is waived on your first receiver. This low monthly fee is the same for all of our various receivers except for the DVR receiver ($5.99/mo.).

The DIRECTV Plus DVR includes a digital set-top receiver, a mini satellite dish antenna with a triple-output LNB and a universal remote control. For customers who already have DIRECTV service, the receiver with remote control will be leased without a dish antenna.

To enjoy DIRECTV’s advanced features to the fullest, your receiver must be continuously connected to a land-based phone line. The receiver is produced by several companies, including Philips, Sony and Hughes Network Systems.

DIRECTV offers access to more than 265 channels of TV programming. Access popular family networks such as CNN, ESPN, Lifetime, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, HGTV, 36 commercial-free music channels, as well as up to 55 Pay per View choices a day including hit movies and special events. DIRECTV also offers a variety of professional and collegiate sports, including the DIRECTV exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket and much more.

DIRECTV typically bundles their programming together into different packages so that customers can receive the best value possible. However, select channels are available on an a la carte basis. See the programming section for details.

Yes. DIRECTV offers access to up to 36 commercial-free music channels through Music Choice. Ranging from jazz and country to classical and hit list, there is music available for every musical taste.

DIRECTV is the provider of the most comprehensive sports programming line-up in the digital home entertainment industry. Note that this programming is subject to league blackout rules and broadcast guidelines.

Yes. DIRECTV offers customers interested in Spanish-language programming access to more than 50 Spanish-language channels and 175 English-language channels. Please see the DIRECTV Spanish Language Package for details.

Yes. Exclusively from DIRECTV, Jadeworld is a multi-channel service that delivers the very best Chinese-language TV programming in both Cantonese and Mandarin. DIRECTV is proud to offer five unique channels from Jadeworld's programming line-up. DIRECTV also offers Phoenix TV, where you can enjoy premier Chinese-language programming featuring up-to-the-minute news, current affairs, financial market updates, variety shows and dramas from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The Locks & Limits feature built into your equipment lets you restrict access to movies based on the motion picture rating system, set Pay per View spending limits and block the viewing of entire channels. This is a great feature for parents who wish to control what programs their children watch on DIRECTV.

DIRECTV offers access to over 265 channels of programming entertainment. As a parent, you may want to limit the channels that your children are watching. Maybe you want to order HBO programming but don't want your children watching it or other programs you deem unsuitable for their age.

DIRECTV has a perfect solution! The Locks & Limits feature built into your equipment allows you to restrict unsupervised television viewing in several different ways. You can block specific movies based on their MPAA rating, lock out entire channels, set limited viewing hours, or even establish spending limits on Pay per View programming. There is no limit to the number of channels that you can lock out from your children's view. When it's time to watch what you want to watch, you can easily access the programming you like by entering your personal identification (PIN) number. See your owner's manual for details.

It’s worth checking on a few things if your bill seems too high. Some offers require you to submit a rebate online in order to begin receiving programming credits. If you don’t see these on your bill, go to directv.com/rebate to see if you qualify. Also note that rebates or other bill credits may apply after your bill is generated. Your online account will detail charges or credits that have applied to your account since your last bill under View Recent Activity. Additional receiver fees may apply if you have more than one receiver.

At the time your account is activated, your monthly package selection is added to each set-top receiver you have installed, on the agreement that you will hook each receiver to the same land-based phone line. In this way, each receiver in your house has the same programming and you can watch different channels in different rooms. But instead of charging you a full monthly package price for each set-top receiver box, we charge the full price for the first set-top box, and bill each additional receiver at just $4.99 per receiver per month. The lease fee for your primary receiver is complimentary.

The monthly fee for DIRECTV DVR service is just $5.99 and covers every DIRECTV Plus DVR in your home. But note that the monthly DVR fee is included in PLUS DVR and PLUS HD DVR programming packages.

Customers are billed by DIRECTV for the programming package that they purchase, plus any Pay per View programs and sports packages ordered. DIRECTV bills in advance for most programming. Pay per View movies are automatically charged after ordering them assuming a continuous phone connection to the receiver.

Yes. When you register with directv.com, you can manage your account online. In addition to paying your bill, you can view your current and past DIRECTV billing statements, view recent transactions and set up automatic billing plans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Customers may pay their bills by using electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment service that automatically deducts DIRECTV payment from a checking account or credit card. Another payment method is by check through the mail.